How do I recover a WhatsApp chat history after deletion on Android for a month - briefly?
To recover deleted WhatsApp chat history on an Android device from the past month, you can use Google Drive backup if it was enabled before deletion. Simply reinstall WhatsApp and restore the chat history during the setup process.
How do I recover a WhatsApp chat history after deletion on Android for a month - in detail?
To recover a WhatsApp chat history that has been deleted on an Android device for up to a month, you have several options at your disposal. It's crucial to act promptly as the chances of successful recovery diminish over time. Here are detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Backup and Restore Method
- Ensure Automatic Backups Are Enabled: WhatsApp automatically backs up chats to Google Drive daily at 2 AM. To check if this feature is enabled, go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. If backups are being made, you'll see the last backup date and time.
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Before proceeding with restoration, uninstall WhatsApp from your device. This step is essential to avoid overwriting any data that might still be recoverable.
- Restore from Backup: After reinstalling WhatsApp, you will be prompted to restore your chat history from the backup found on Google Drive. Follow the prompts to complete the restoration process.
Local Backup Restoration
- Check for Local Backups: Sometimes, local backups are stored in the device's internal storage. These backups are usually located in the
WhatsApp/Databasesfolder. - Rename the Backup File: If you find a backup file with a date and time close to when your chat history was deleted (e.g.,
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12), rename it by removing the.crypt12extension. - Restore from Local Backup: Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp. During the setup process, you should be prompted to restore chats from a local backup. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration.
Third-Party Recovery Tools
- Download a Reliable Recovery Tool: If you don't have a backup or if the above methods fail, consider using third-party recovery software like Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Recovery, EaseUS MobiSaver for Android, or Tenorshare UltData.
- Connect Your Device: Connect your Android device to your computer via USB. Ensure that USB debugging is enabled on your phone (Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging).
- Scan and Recover: Follow the software's instructions to scan your device for recoverable WhatsApp data. Once the scan is complete, preview the messages you want to restore and select them for recovery.
Important Considerations
- Timeliness: The sooner you attempt to recover your chats, the higher the likelihood of success. Deleted data can be overwritten by new data if not acted upon quickly.
- Data Security: Ensure that any third-party software you use is from a reputable source to avoid potential security risks.
- Backup Frequency: To prevent future data loss, make it a habit to manually back up your WhatsApp chats regularly in addition to the automatic backup feature.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to recover your WhatsApp chat history even if it has been deleted for up to a month on an Android device.